The Indonesian government is drawing up plans to provide temporary treatment for 2,000 Palestinians from Gaza, holding high-level discussions on logistics, legality and foreign policy implications of the sensitive proposal.
Earlier this month, Jakarta announced its intention to extend medical assistance, with Galang island, south of Singapore, identified as one possible site. The island previously hosted a camp for Vietnamese refugees and more recently served as the location of a pandemic hospital.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation and a longstanding supporter of Palestinian statehood, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Officials have disclosed few details, but the matter has been discussed across several ministries, including security, health and foreign affairs.
“These discussions have focused on logistical feasibility, medical readiness, and legal frameworks,” said Dave Laksono, deputy chair of parliament’s commission I, which oversees defence and foreign affairs. “Commission I has also been briefed on the strategic implications, particularly regarding Indonesia’s foreign policy posture and regional stability.”
Galang remains under consideration because of its history as a humanitarian site and existing infrastructure, but other locations in West Java and Central Java, closer to major hospitals, are also being studied. The use of large military hospitals in Jakarta and even facilities in Jordan, where President Prabowo Subianto maintains close ties, have been raised as alternatives.
Officials admit the plan is politically delicate. Some Islamic leaders have accused the government of being “deceived” by Israel and questioned what guarantees exist to ensure the Palestinians’ eventual return.
“One of the issues is how to make sure the right to return of the Palestinians can be respected,” said Abdul Kadir Jailani, director general for Asian, Pacific and African affairs at the foreign ministry. “We have to make sure it is consistent with international humanitarian law. Approval and support from Palestinian authorities and regional countries are essential.”
Jailani stressed no final decision had been made, citing the “high level of complexity” surrounding both political and technical aspects.
Indonesia has in recent days conducted humanitarian airdrops of aid into Gaza, coordinated with Jordan. The proposal comes amid reports that Israel has sought US backing to persuade other countries to accept Palestinians from Gaza, with Indonesia named as one of those approached.
While permanent relocation would be highly controversial, domestic criticism of the plan has so far been muted. “At the moment there are so many issues in the headlines that the Gaza issue is not widely reported,” said political analyst Kennedy Muslim.
Laksono emphasised that any initiative would be temporary and coordinated with international agencies such as UNRWA and the ICRC. “Our objective is to provide care, not resettlement, and to support their eventual return once conditions in Gaza allow,” he said.
“This is a delicate undertaking, and we are fully aware of the geopolitical sensitivities involved.”
